A NEW team in Flintshire is looking to develop future ice hockey stars.

Newly-formed Deeside Ducks team will play in NIHL Division Two North for the forthcoming league season.

The idea of the team is to offer a stepping stone between the highly successful Deeside junior development system – who operate teams at various age groups from U10s to U18s - and the senior Dragons team who play in the NIHL Division One North.

Experienced Deeside Dragons player Chris Jones (pictured) has been confirmed as part of their roster, in addition to Charlie Spridgeon and Kenny Williams.

Head coach Gary Shaw said: “I am pleased to be given this opportunity to help develop the players from their current levels to enhance their skills, knowledge and experience and to push forward and advance their opportunities to play in the senior Dragons team.

“This Ducks team will be predominantly U23 with at least a third being U19. Some older players will be asked to play and their role will be to support the youth of the team and help with their progression. The aim is to ultimately push for places in the Dragons senior team and on to higher levels such as England and Premier.

“While winning is the aim of all teams, there are many different ways to win, so we will focus on all aspects required to advance our squad and, if we achieve the win on the scoreboard, it is a bonus for the team.”